Narita Airport is a major gateway for travelers heading to Tokyo. However, it is not actually in Tokyo—it is located in Chiba Prefecture, about 70 km away. This means that after arriving at Narita Airport, you need to find your own way to Tokyo.
In this article, we introduce 7 different transportation options from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, analyzing their features and important points to consider.
Basic Information About Narita Airport | How Is It Different from Haneda Airport?
Many travelers use Narita Airport when visiting Tokyo. Therefore, it is important not only to book your flight in advance but also to consider your transportation options from Narita Airport to the city center.
Please note that Narita Airport has three terminals, and the available transportation options vary slightly for each one. Be sure to choose the best option based on the terminal where your flight arrives.
When traveling to Tokyo, you can choose not only Narita Airport but also Haneda Airport. The official name of Haneda Airport is Tokyo International Airport. Compared to Narita, Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo, and a train ride takes just 20 minutes to get to the city center.
Although Haneda is an international airport, it primarily serves domestic flights, with only a limited number of international flights. Therefore, most people travel through Narita Airport to reach Tokyo.
Comparison of 7 Transportation Options from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo
JR Narita Express (N’EX)
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The N’EX Narita Express trains have spacious and comfortable seating, with enough room to store suitcases securely.
The one-way fare for the N’EX from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station is ¥3,070.
Transportation Method | JR Train – N’EX Narita Express |
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Travel Time | Tokyo Station: 53 min~ Shinjuku Station: 85 min~ |
Cost | One-way: ¥3,070~ Round-trip discount: ¥4,070~ |
Frequency | Every 30–60 minutes, usually every 40 minutes |
Where to Buy Tickets | Narita Airport, JR Midori-no-Madoguchi (Ticket Office), Ticket Machines, Online Booking |
Features | – 53 min to Tokyo Station – Convenient access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro |
Things to Note | – Trains run every 40 minutes, so missing one means a long wait. – Most expensive train option from Narita. – Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must first go to Terminals 1 or 2 to board the N’EX. |
Keisei Skyliner
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Similar to the N’EX Narita Express, the Keisei Skyliner is a high-speed train that connects Narita Airport to central Tokyo. However, the Skyliner is faster, reaching the city center in as little as 36 minutes, making it the fastest option.
Additionally, the Skyliner runs more frequently than the N’EX and is 25% cheaper, offering a more cost-effective choice for travelers.
Transportation Method | Keisei Skyliner |
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Travel Time | Ueno Station: 40 min~ Nippori Station: 36 min~ |
Cost | One-way: ¥2,300~ Round-trip discount: ¥4,480~ |
Frequency | Every 20–30 minutes, with 20-minute intervals during the day |
Where to Buy Tickets | Narita Airport Skyliner Ticket Counter (Blue Counter) or Ticket Machines |
Features | – Fastest train option to Tokyo, reaching Nippori in just 36 minutes – Save 14% when booking online, making it highly cost-effective – Frequent service, with a train every 20 minutes |
Things to Note | – The round-trip discount is not very significant. – Transfers are required at Ueno for JR connections. – Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must go to Terminals 1 or 2 to board the Skyliner. |
Keisei Regular Train (Local & Limited Express)
In addition to the N’EX Narita Express and Skyliner high-speed trains, travelers looking to save money can choose the Keisei Regular Train, which offers the most affordable option.
Transportation Method | Keisei Regular Train (Local & Limited Express) |
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Travel Time | Ueno Station: 75–90 min |
Cost | One-way: ¥1,050 (Cheapest train option) |
Frequency | Every 10–20 minutes, about 1 train every 20 minutes |
Where to Buy Tickets | Ticket machines at Narita Airport |
Features | – Most affordable train option from Narita Airport – No reservations needed—just buy a ticket and board – Suica/PASMO can be used at the gate |
Things to Note | – Slower than other train options, taking 75–90 minutes – No assigned seats, and can be crowded during rush hours – Transfers may be needed depending on your destination – Be careful not to board the wrong train, as there are different destinations – Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 must go to Terminals 1 or 2 to board |
Airport Limousine Bus
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The Airport Limousine Bus covers 20 areas in central Tokyo and provides direct access to over 90 hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist spots.
However, since the limousine bus is more convenient than regular trains, the fare is slightly higher than train options.
Transportation Method | Airport Limousine Bus |
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Travel Time | Shinjuku: 110 min~Ginza: 95 min~ |
Cost | One-way: ¥3,200~ |
Frequency | Varies by destination, approximately every 30 minutes from Shinjuku |
Where to Buy Tickets | Online reservation or Limousine Bus Counter |
Features | – Direct service to your destination with no transfers – Convenient access to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 – Large luggage storage in the bus compartment—ideal for travelers with lots of baggage – Equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets for internet access and charging |
Things to Note | – Slower travel time compared to express trains |
AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT
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※Image courtesy of AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT (https://tyo-nrt.com/)
The biggest advantage of AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT is its affordable fare—just ¥1,300 for a direct ride from Narita Airport to central Tokyo.
With a travel time of about 65 minutes, it offers a cost-effective alternative comparable to the JR N’EX Narita Express in terms of speed.
Transportation Method | Airport Bus TYO-NRT |
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Travel Time | Tokyo Station: 65 min~ |
Cost | One-way: ¥1,300~ (Cheaper than trains) |
Frequency | Every 15–30 minutes, with 15-minute intervals during the day |
Where to Buy Tickets | Narita Airport AIRPORT BUS TYO-NRT Counter |
Features | – Direct to Tokyo Station for just ¥1,300, making it cheaper than trains – Fast travel time of 65 minutes, similar to express trains – More frequent than trains, with buses every 15 minutes – Large luggage storage, allowing passengers to store big or multiple bags easily |
Things to Note | – Longer travel time compared to express trains |
Private Transfer Service
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Trains and buses are fast and affordable, but if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with elderly family members or children, using public transportation can be inconvenient and stressful. In such cases, a private transfer service may be a more comfortable and hassle-free option.
Transportation Method | Private Transfer Service |
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Travel Time | Tokyo Station: 51 min~ Shinjuku: 60 min~ |
Cost | ¥20,000–¥40,000 |
Frequency | Pick-up at Narita Airport at a pre-scheduled time |
Where to Book | Online or by phone in advance |
Features | – Fast and convenient—reaches central Tokyo in about 60 minutes – Direct transportation for both passengers and luggage, eliminating the need for navigation – Some drivers speak English or Chinese, making it accessible for non-Japanese speakers |
Things to Note | – Advance reservation required, and cancellation fees may apply |
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Taxi
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If you are taking a taxi, please go to the designated taxi stands at Narita Airport:
- Narita Airport Terminal 1: Stand No. 15
- Narita Airport Terminal 2: Stands No. 30 & 31-A
- Narita Airport Terminal 3: Taxi Stand
These locations provide easy access to taxis for a convenient and direct ride to central Tokyo.
Transportation Method | Taxi |
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Travel Time | Tokyo Station: 65 min~ |
Cost | Flat Rate: ¥17,000~ Metered Fare: ¥30,000~ |
Frequency | Available 24/7 |
Where to Get a Taxi | Taxi stands at Narita Airport |
Features | – Taxis are always available, so you can ride anytime – Direct, point-to-point service, making it fast and convenient – Accessible from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, making it easy to board |
Things to Note | – Not all taxis offer flat-rate pricing – Highway toll fees are charged separately if using expressways – Taxis accommodate up to 4 passengers—for larger groups, multiple taxis are needed – Flat-rate fares may not apply when traveling from Tokyo to Narita Airport |
If you are planning a trip or considering living in Tokyo, don’t forget to save this article for future reference!
Thank you for reading until the end!